Villarreal

Villarreal, known in Valencian as Vila-real, is a city and municipality in the province of Castellón, within the Valencian Community in eastern Spain. It is part of the Plana Baixa comarca and lies inland from the Costa del Azahar. The municipality has around 50,000 residents and covers an area of roughly 55 square kilometers.

The name Vila-real translates to “royal town” in Valencian. The modern town developed from a medieval settlement and expanded notably during the 20th century due to industrial growth, particularly in manufacturing and commerce.

Economy in Villarreal is anchored by the footwear industry, which has established the city as a major center for shoe production and related services. The sector, alongside other manufacturing and service activities, forms the core of the local economy and contributes to its export activity.

The town is also home to Villarreal CF, a professional football club founded in 1923. The team competes in the top tier of Spanish football and plays its home matches at Estadio de la Cerámica, a venue that has hosted European competition and domestic matches.

Climate in Villarreal is Mediterranean, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The city features parks and civic buildings, and it hosts local markets and cultural events that reflect Valencian traditions and community life.